Wild Leek

Having lived around the corner from Wild Leek for a few years, I would describe myself as being cut from a different cloth than the typical customer that I would see when walking by — I’m a proud omnivore, and I lack any of the painfully stereotypical hipster/​hippie accouterments. Except cynicism, but we’re talking purely fashion here.
Wanting a breakfast that didn’t make me want to go right back to bed, I decided to try out my healthful neighbour. Seating is comprised of five small tables, plus relatively recently they added a couple booths made out of repurposed wood. Naturally, I went booth. There’s lots of potted plants around, and local artwork on the walls, which themselves are made from slanted wood panels. It all comes for a very cozy and outdoorsy feel that I enjoyed.
Their menu has an all day breakfast section, which always deserves kudos, even when it doesn’t contain the breakfast meats which I love. They’re also known for their smoothies here, and the rest of the menu is fleshed out with a variety of vegan and/​or gluten free sandwiches, and noodle or rice bowls. While I was tempted by the breakfast options, I thought a simple tofu scramble would be a bit of a cop out for trying something new and hardcore vegan. To that end, I went with their «ultimate» «burger» (all emphasis my own), made from tempeh and black beans, and topped with chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato, sprouts and a pickle. I chose the house salad for side, and for a mid-​day pick up I got a cup of coffee, along with a glass of water to keep my old man stomach from being devastated by the coffee.
My coffee was a decent Java Blend, uh, blend, and I’m far from being a coffee connoisseur, but I enjoyed it. My decent-​sized burger was out fairly quickly, as the restaurant was sparsely populated with the lunch rush being well over. Being my first veggie burger, I didn’t know what to expect, especially given how many kinds are out there with varying ingredients trying to imitate meat. The interwebs tell me that tempeh is a fermented soybean-​based product. Combined with the black beans, it had a nice char from the flat-​top, but the texture was very mushy, with large chunks falling out of the burger as I ate it. That said, it had a really good flavour, with just a little bit of zing from the chipotle mayo, and some earthiness from the sprouts. The house salad was a mix of greens — romaine, kale, and arugula — with julienned carrot and red pepper. Topped with some roasted sesame seeds and a house-​made dressing, it was really refreshing and enjoyable, the best a salad can typically hope for.
Service was laidback and friendly, but still attentive.
While I was pretty underwhelmed with the mechanics of my imitation-​meat patty, I can appreciate the healthiness of their menu, and everything I had certainly tasted good. Am I converted to vegetarian/​veganism? Resoundingly, no.

This is among the best vegan food I have had. I went on a quiet afternoon. The «nom-​lette» was fresh and delicious. The gluten-​free, vegan brownie was rich and moist. Whether you’re local or just visiting, be sure this gem is on your list of places to eat.

This place is amazing. I’m not vegan but I enjoy vegan food. My partner and I went here for breakfast one day and it was incredible. Their smoothies are off the charts, although they are small and expensive. Cute atmosphere, really cozy. They are really creative with their options so you don’t miss meat. Would recommend and am definitely going again.

Just went for lunch and had the vegan donair and my friend had the pancakes with «bacon». The pancakes were massive. Good was fantastic. My friend wanted to try the coconut bacon and they said sure and added it to his plate. Service was prompt and friendly. Restaurant is really small and street parking is not ideal but I highly recommend the place.

I like to stop here while I wait for my laundry to be done. It’s a cute little location with air conditioning and really friendly, knowledgeable staff.
The music always seems to be doing weird things when I’m there, but overall I don’t think it really takes anything away from the experience.
I really enjoy their smoothies.

First time eating here. Ordered the Basic (tofu scramble, seitan bacon, toast and jam) with potatoes and coffee. FREAKIN’ DELICIOUS
I may have to move to Halifax. I saw quite a few adorable houses for sale on the walk from the hotel
The tofu scramble was perfect, the bacon was the best vegan bacon I have ever had, the homemade jam was amazing. Coffee was great.

IF YOU HAVE TASTE BUDS!
GO GET ANYTHING FROM HERE!!!
It doesn’t matter if you are gluten free, vegan, meat eater or what over, this place is absolutely awesome!
The flavors are incredible, the portions are good and the atmosphere is nice and relaxed.
The food is well priced, certainly not over priced just well worth the quality and flavor of the grub coming out of this place.
The GF and I had the poutine and the breakfast salad, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

I went back to the wild leek. Comfy yummy vegan. The sandwiches are tasty, the poutine is awesome. One of my Halifax favourites. I’m just not a smoothie guy, but a beer would be perfect to wash down anything on the menu!

I love this place, everything they make is always perfect. I always leave full and never have anything to critique. Breakfasts, lunches. desserts. smoothies & juices. awesome atmosphere, staff and food.

I’ve only been to this spot once for a smoothie and a cupcake. I know it’s hard to mess up a cupcake, so when I say how good it was you might brush it off but it was SO GOOD! A delicious vegan cupcake is in itself something worth going into this spot for. It’s a cute little eatery in the Northend, they have all day breakfast (I thought I read that on the menu — which I will be back for) and a large variety of fresh pressed juices and smoothies. There is about 7 – 10 tables in there and half of them were occupied when I was in on a Saturday afternoon. The place is full of plants and although it’s small it feels light and airy in there. I’m sure it would feel cramped quickly if you went at meal times. They have fantastic local art on the walls, and the service was nice and friendly. My cupcake came in a cute Chinese takeout box. Instant love. (nice touch Wild Leek)

**Vegan restaurant**
Tried here for supper one day maybe a year ago with a friend and remember enjoying it, but wasn’t on my top list of places to return. Today for lunch by myself I felt like trying it again, so did. When I arrived just after noon, one table was occupied out of the maybe 10 they have. Another two had been taken by the time I left, closer to 1:00. Small, basic little place with lots of natural light from the front windows. Big chalk board above the register listing their smoothie & juice options. The menu is basically breakfast-​brunch-​lunch only, but enough choices where I had a tough time picking something today. I noticed that the nachos weren’t listed, which I’d had the first time, and was told that they do change the menu. There are daily specials; today’s sounded good, but I ended up going with two small dishes off the regular menu. The Breakfast Salad (spinach, roasted potatoes, red pepper, avocado sauce, chick peas, onion, coconut bacon. $ 8/​small) was very good with a bit of a spicy quality. I could have ordered this on its own and been satisfied. My second item was the Poutine Supreme (roasted potato wedges, sauteed seasonable vegetables, sage gravy, chick pea cheese. $ 6/​small) which was very good as well, and then I was quite full.
Very friendly service.
When paying my bill, I decided to get a couple of cupcakes and a jar of coconut bacon to go. I do remember their almond butter cups were delicious (from first visit).
Yes, I’d go back and try something else on the menu, maybe another weekend lunch in the spring or summer.

I don’t feel «cool» enough for this place. I don’t «get it». Is this a joke?!
I wanted to check that place out with a friend. I remember it when it was called the «Vegan Juice Bar» until they changed the name years ago, probably because it sounds ridiculous. What are you going to put in your juice anyway?! milk perhaps? Anyway, So we walked in around 2:30 p.m. The place was dead silent… and not in a reassuring way. Two customers seated at one of the 6 tiny tables and the (grumpy) barista were looking at us, as if we were lame aliens. I dislike judging people, but they looked quite… eccentric.
The menu above the counter only listed some juices and smoothies, but it seemed that there were other menu items as well, judging by the good looking, yet tiny and overpriced pastries on display (some of them looked stale) and the jars of loose leaf tea (for decoration, perhaps!?). A menu would have been useful. HELLO?! As we were deciding on our order, the Barista interrupted us and asked us if we needed one minute. That’s fine. But she walked into the kitchen and stayed there for 6 long minutes, until I told my friend that we should perhaps go to another café.
Thankfully, the staff overheard us. So we ordered two «regular”-sized smoothies for a total of 10 $ after tax. The smoothies were minuscule! They were literally the size of a tooth-​pick holder. Seriously, these are the smallest cups (ignoring shot/​espresso cups) I had ever seen in my life. Even the straw made the cup look pathetic. The «large» was only a little bigger (still smaller than a Tim’s small coffee cup). What a joke for 4.60 $! Would it kill them to up-​size the portions a little?!
I got the purple haze. It was a Kale, Ginger and blueberry? mix. The Kale and ginger were overpowering the other ingredients resulting in a disappointing drink overall. Plus I kept getting pieces and bits of kale stuck in my teeth. That’s not handsome! In other words, it was a poor decision to order that drink. My friend was happy with her strawberry smoothie… that she drank in 2 minutes.
The reason I don’t get it is because the location is weird, the prices are steep, the staff is rude and annoying and the portions are pathetic.
Long story short: get a smoothie at McDonald’s!

A little place on Windsor St., comes complete with lovely art on the walls by locals, free wifi, outside tables (weather permitting), great service, and totally amazing food!
They make amazing smoothies, deserts to die for (I’m scarfing down carrot cake, I didn’t have room to stuff my gullet, with after my Club Sammie, last night). Staff is always super friendly, and boys and girls, wholly vegan (pun intended)!
Kirstin, the owner, is quite knowledgeable about their food choices, and will help with selection. The menu selection is not huge, but is changed often enough to keep boredom from setting in.
Most, if not all, ingredients are procured locally (yah!) whenever possible. Parking might be an issue, if you’re too lazy to walk around the corner (I use a cane, and I can do it), but the food makes any inconvenience, inconsequential. I, and my wife, both love this place!

I had vegan brunch here and it was perfect!
Also 2 dozen vegan cupcakes for my birthday were delicious! I didn’t want to share!
It’s nice to see vegan places popping up in halifax!

How have I lived a block away for so long and NOT gone here? Amazing fresh and healthy choices, plus the cutest little spot!
The name «wild leek» was an instant attraction, as I love leeks, but wild ones are my fave! When searching for «Smoothies» this was top of the lists, and as it was but a block from my apartment, a natural choice. Walking in, you are met with cute tables and a beautiful light right above, which just adds to the experience of fresh and light!
The menu is small but mighty with great smoothie and fresh juice choices that are all healthy AND delish! I am more of a TASTE seeker than health, but when I can combine to make a tasty and healthy choice, it is just better… for my body i’m sure! (I had a Bora Bora smoothie which was a tropical fruit smoothie of mango, pineapple etc. and super yummy!)
There are lunch specials and fantastic looking desserts too, I did not try but I am eager to get back and do some tasting! The prices are moderate as it is fresh and healthy, which usually mean slightly more expensive.
There seemed to be people doing work or school work on computers there, which is a nice alternative to the typical coffee shops, so worth checking out! I know I will be back!

The Wild Leek is growing on me. I’d give it a 3.5 if I could.
I have tried this place now a few times since my friend lives right next door. I’ve been in a few times to sit down at the request of my friend. I have got the Wild Bowl twice now and the chocolite soothe twice and both times I really enjoyed them. The chocolate smoothie is pretty freaking good for you when you look whats in it — cocoa, bananas, dates, soy milk, and it tastes like a milkshake of sorts. Yes please.
The wild bowl is also great. They put this stuff on it called «dragon sauce», I’m not sure why its called that but it rules. I also have no idea whats in it. The bowl itself has kale (which I subbed out), beets, carrots, rice, tofu, broccoli in it. Its really hearty and obviously healthy and tastes really good. The owner and another guy (i think named Jordan?) were servers the last time we were there and they were really great — I have no idea who waited on me previously but I wasn’t a fan.
They were also there at Evolve serving their awesome foods and juices. I bought a ton of the tonic juice there — it was soo refreshing, especially since the hill was unbelievably hot that weekend. I told everyone about it. They were also serving curries and different wraps, I thought they were a perfect addition to Evolve since last year they were definitely lacking a vegetarian/​vegan option.

Wild Leek is tiny. Like, TINY. Six tables. We arrived early Saturday afternoon and there was one small table open, so we grabbed it. The white walls have some local artwork on them. The awesome ceiling light immediately catches your attention; it’s beautiful. And something to look at while waiting for your order to be taken. (Granted, it was busy, but there *are* only six tables, so …)
Unfortunately we arrived while only brunch was being served. I had been looking forward to choosing something from their menu. Maybe next time. Selection was very limited, but everything sounded good. We both went for the breakfast burrito.
Veerrrrryyy long wait our food. Fortunately it was worth it! Who knew tofu could taste so good? The serving was HUGE. Our plates were overflowing with burrito, potatoes, fruit and salad. The burritos themselves weren’t that large, but I still couldn’t finish everything. While they weren’t exploding with flavour, they were tasty. The fruit side included apple slices with cinnamon. Yum! The salad was fresh and crisp.
We wanted to order dessert, but the guy at the counter was too busy to serve the tables. After the lineup at the counter died down, we got a Nanaimo bar and an orange chocolate cupcake to go.
This place needs more staff. Unfortunately there’s nowhere to put them. The public washroom? Is in the kitchen. You have to walk right into the kitchen to get to it. That’s how small a space this is, folks.
Mike loved his Nanaimo bar, but neither of us enjoyed the cupcake. Tough and tasteless, although the icing was nice and the silver balls were a great touch.
We’re looking forward to trying their regular menu, but we’ll try to come during a slower time of day.

loved loved loved.
Although only a small space with bfast/​lunch options. This place should not be over looked. It’s a wonderful café and has a super unique juice bar was great options for a healthy pick me up.
The dessert case is divine. All house made and all creative. The avocado chocolate mouse is unbelievable!
My favorite though, the CLT. With some sort of fried large strips I coconut in place of bacon. It is amazing. And that is not an overstatement. The house made sauce on the wrap is delicious as well. And the small side salad is always fresh and visually appealing. I can not speak the praise of this wrap enough.
The loaded potato nachos are also delish. With some house made sauce I coat them in, it makes for a tasty meal.
With the special and soup always changing, the wild leek offers a sure fire breakfast lunch spot that will please all of us veggie and vegans.
But the best part? The service! The owner is super nice and accommodating. She makes you feel at home. And she’s a Wonder Woman– baking, cooking, serving, etc. She does it all at once! Kudos!

I never would have guessed that vegan cuisine would have been the food trend to follow the Great Halifax Burger Invasion of 2012, but hey — I’m down with it.
Wild Leek is a small, 15-​or-​so seater on Windsor Street, a short walk from just about anywhere downtown with plenty of parking nearby on the sidestreets for the commuters. While it’s not fancy, the shabby-​chic charm of the place suits me just fine. The menu boasts about five or six main options ($ 10 – 12) with soups and specials changing daily, and a delicious line-​up of smoothies and juices on a board above the counter.
I went for the banh mi which, as another Unilocaler has already pointed out, arrives as a half-​sammie and mixed green salad — not exactly enough to fill me up for the rest of the day, but not bad value for $ 10 (plus tax, tip) when you consider the effort going into each one.
It was certainly tasty but could have used a bit more zip compared to the flavours I’ve experienced elsewhere. That said, I’m always happy to see people including seitan as a veggie-​friendly protein option. My friend went for the chili and cornbread of the day though and said it was phenomenal.
Meals arrived quickly which makes it a legitimate weekday lunch option. Service overall is pretty laissez faire though, not that you’ll need them for much once you’ve got your grub.

I was very excited to visit the Wild Leek. I just moved back home from the Yukon and had heard there was a new vegan restaurant opening. I finally got there today. It’s a very cute little restaurant and the staff was very friendly. I really liked the sweet waiter we had. I had some delicious coconut pancakes complete with fresh fruit and my husband had a bean burrito also with fresh fruit. We both got one of the delicious homemade lemonades they have to offer. I had the beet lemonade and my husband the strawberry. And for dessert, a carrot «juiced» cupcake which seriously was probably the best cupcake I’ve ever had in my life. Melt in your mouth, so full of flavour. A wonderful first visit, I can’t wait to come back!